New iris recognition system

Iris recognition system speeds up UK airport immigration.

Qualifying Emirates passengers can now register for the Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) and avoid immigration queues when arriving at London Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester airports.

IRIS records and translates the unique iris pattern of a person’s eyes into a digital code. Participating airports are using this technology to allow those registered to fast-track immigration by entering the UK through automated control barriers after looking into an iris recognition camera.

Entering into the UK using an IRIS barrier takes approximately 20 seconds.

Enrolment takes around five to ten minutes and can be done at any participating airport. It is open to all UK citizens, permanent residents and those holding other permitted visas (see bia.gov.uk for full application guidelines).